Ceòlas festival that was sprinkled with stardust

ON FRIDAY (July 8) the final fling following a successful week of workshops by Ceòlas on South Uist was hosted by Kirsteen MacDonald, who was surprised and impressed by the quantity and quality of the talent performing.

Rachel Walker, Christine Primrose and Alasdair C Whyte had taught song classes all week to great acclaim by the students. Griogair Làbhruidh sang Pìobaireachd song as well as performing his trademark rap, to the delight of the audience. Piping was provided by Fin Moore and Angus Nicolson, who had been tutoring all week and was supported by Seonaidh MacIntyre, who had been playing for the dancers. Dance took centre stage during the week with Frank Mc-Connell, Mats Melin and Jayne Macleod making it all look easy, till you tried. Jamie MacDonald and Sarah Hoy provided music for the dancers and our Cape Breton guests Shelly Campbell also danced as well as played fiddle. Calum MacKen zie taught fiddle although his great piano skills were used to accompany Fin and Sarah Hoy’s set at the Ceilidh Mòr. He also accompanied his wife Alexis MacIsaac, who played a lively set on the fiddle. Allan Henderson, who had been teaching youth fiddle all week, was called on several times to accompany the singers and fiddlers. Patsy Reid wowed everyone with her fiddle playing and Patsy Seddon’s clarsach playing was sublime.